Child-proof package and process of making the same, method for closing and opening said package

ABSTRACT

A package ( 100 ) including a container ( 1 ) and a case ( 102 ) configured for receiving the container; the case is movable between a closed condition and an open condition wherein it respectively prevents and allows the access to the container. The package includes a safety device ( 11 ) having: a first coupling portion ( 12 ) internally carried by the case, a second coupling portion ( 13 ) externally carried by the container, and a selector ( 90 ) carried by at least one of the container and the case. The selector is movable between a first and a second operative position wherein, in the closed condition, it-the selector respectively allows and prevents the engagement between the first and the second coupling portion.

FIELD OF THE FINDING

The object of the present invention is a child-proof package and a process of making the same, as well as a method for closing and opening the package. The package can have application in the field of packaging for products of various kind, such as: drugs, cosmetics, cleaning products (detergents for linens/sheets and dishes), foods and tobacco-based products (cigars and cigarettes).

STATE OF THE ART

As is known, child-proof packages are available on the market that are designed in order to be difficult for children under 5 years old to open; these packages are employed for preventing children from coming into contact with products that are potentially dangerous for them.

One known child-proof package comprises a paper case adapted to receive a plastic material blister at its own interior that is intended to contain a plurality of products. The case has, at opposite lateral walls, two slits intended to receive in engagement two projections of the blister: in the condition in which the blister is housed in the case, the engagement of the projections with the slits prevents the extraction of the blister by means of only a pulling action of the same. For the extraction of the blister, it is necessary to press on the projections so as to cause the disengagement thereof from the slits: only at this point it is possible to extract the blister from the case. The Applicant has detected that such packages, due to the closure type are poorly flexible in their use: in order to be able to define a child-proof safety system, the case can only receive a blister specially designed for that particular case. The blisters must therefore be made by means of specific production methods, preventing the manufacturing thereof by means of standard production machines. It is also indicated that the blisters of the described packages have a rather complex structure due to the presence of the protuberances, which negatively affects the production and product costs.

A further known child-proof package is described in the patent application No. WO 2017/216662 A1. The package comprises a case adapted to receive a casing for housing products at its own interior. The case, in the form of a hollow casing, internally has an engagement portion which is configured for engaging with an abutment element carried by the container in order to allow the locking of the container itself within the case and consequently preventing the picking up of products. The disengagement between the case and the container occurs following the insertion of an opening device within the package.

A further known package is described in the patent application No. U.S. Pat. No. 3,116,007 A. Such package comprises a container with tray form configured for defining a compartment for containing products and having a single top opening, delimited by a free edge, through which it is possible to deposit/pick up the products. The package comprises a case configured for being placed outside the container in closing the top opening. The container comprises two tabs folded outside the compartment starting from the free edge and which are configured for being engaged with two respective undercuts defined within the case. The cover comprises two through accesses configured for allowing a user, during a closed condition of the package, to disengage the tabs from the undercuts of the case in order to allow the opening of the package.

A further known package is described in the European patent application No. EP 0 571 711 A2. Such package comprises a container configured for defining a compartment for containing products and having a single top opening, delimited by a free edge, through which it is possible to deposit/pick up the products. The package also comprises a case configured for being placed outside the container in closing the top opening. The container comprises two through pockets defined on the two opposite lateral walls of the container, which are configured for engagingly receiving two respective folded tabs defined on a free edge of the case.

The Applicant has detected that the above-described known solutions have several limitations and therefore they can be improved with regard to several aspects.

OBJECT OF THE FINDING

Object of the present invention is therefore that of substantially resolving at least one of the drawbacks and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.

One objective of the present invention is that of providing a package that is flexible in its use, having a safety system that is highly effective, capable of preventing the opening of the package by children, but which simultaneously can be easily openable by an adult. Another objective of the present invention is that of providing a package having a structure that can be handled with difficulty by children and hence is capable of preventing the correct grip thereof for the opening thereof. Another object of the present invention is that of providing a package having a simple structure, which can be manufactured in a quick and inexpensive manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide a package having a stable structure that is able to ensure its own integrity following multiple openings and closings of the same. These and other objects, which will be clearer from the following description, are substantially attained by a package, a process for making the package and a method for closing and opening the same in accordance with that expressed in one or more of the enclosed claims and/or of the following aspects.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a child-proof package (100) is provided comprising:

-   -   at least one container (1) defining a compartment (3) for         housing at least one product, said container (1) having a         predetermined number of lateral walls (4) defining an opening         (5) delimited by a free edge (6), said opening (5) being         configured for allowing the insertion and picking up of the         product from the container (1),     -   at least one case (102) having a predetermined number of lateral         walls (104) defining at least one access (105) delimited by a         free edge (106) configured for allowing the passage of the         container (1), said predetermined number of lateral walls (104)         of the case (102) delimiting an internal volume (103) configured         for receiving in insertion at least part of the container (1),         wherein case (102) and container (1) are relatively movable with         respect to each other at least between:         -   a closed condition in which the case (102) obstructs the             opening of the container (1), wherein the container (1), in             said closed condition, is at least partly arranged in the             internal volume (103),         -   an open condition in which the case (102) allows the             communication between the compartment (3) and the external             environment,     -   at least one safety device (11) comprising:         -   at least one first coupling portion (12) carried by the case             (102),         -   at least one second coupling portion (13) carried by the             container (1),         -   at least one selector (90) carried by at least one selected             between the container (1) and the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect the selector (90), at least in the closed condition of container and case, is relatively movable with respect to at least one between the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is relatively movable with respect to at least one between the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13) at least between:

-   -   a first operative position in which said selector (90) allows,         at least in said closed condition, the first and the second         coupling portion (12, 13) to be stably engaged with each other         to define a locking condition of the safety device (11).     -   a second operative position in which the selector (90) prevents,         at least in said closed condition, the engagement between the         first and the second coupling portion (12, 13) in a manner such         that case and container can freely pass from the closed         condition to the open condition.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is relatively movable with respect to at least one between the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13) at least between:

-   -   a first operative position in which the selector (90) is         distanced from the first and from the second coupling portion         (12, 13) and configured for allowing the engagement of the         latter,     -   a second operative portion in which the selector is interposed         between said first and second coupling portions (12, 13),         preventing the latter, in the closed condition of the package,         from being engaged with each other.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13), in the first operative position of the selector, are configured for being stably engaged with each other in order to define a locking condition of the safety device in which said first and second coupling portion (12, 13) are configured for preventing case and container from passing from the closed condition to the open condition.

In a further aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect the first coupling portion (12) is substantially arranged within the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion is arranged at least partly in the internal volume (103).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion is arranged outside the compartment (3). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects in the locking condition said first and second coupling portions (12, 13) are configured for preventing case and container from passing from the closed condition to the open condition.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is arranged entirely in the internal volume of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90), during the movement between the first and the second operative position, is entirely arranged in the internal volume of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the selector is engaged with at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is stably only carried by at least one lateral wall of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the case comprises at least one external panel (10 a) and an internal panel (10 b) defining a seat (49) within which the selector (90) is housed.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a) defines at least part of a lateral wall (104) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the lateral wall of the case is an external lateral wall.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the internal panel (10 b) is arranged, at least in the closed condition, in interposition between the external panel (10 a) and the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a) and the internal panel (10 b) are integrally joined with a folding edge (10 c) and facing each other to define a folded portion.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the predetermined number of lateral walls (104) of the case (102) defines a top opening delimited by the free edge (106). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the folding edge (10 c) of the external panel (10 a) and internal panel (10 b) defines at least part of said free edge (106) of the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a) and the internal panel (10 b) have, in section, a substantially “V” shape whose concavity is directed towards the top wall (109) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is entirely engaged within the seat (49), at least partly interposed between the external panel (10 a) and the internal panel (10 b). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a) and the internal panel (10 b) face each other. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a) and the internal panel (10 b) are extended along planes substantially parallel to each other.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is made of sheet material, optionally paper.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a) has at least one through opening (48) configured for allowing, in the closed condition of the case and the container and from outside the package, the intervention on the selector (90) in order to allow the movement thereof from the first to the second operative position, and vice versa. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through opening (48) is configured for placing in communication, at least in the closed condition of container and case, the seat (49) and the environment outside the package.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) comprises a handling portion (91) facing the through opening (48) of the case and configured for allowing the movement of the selector itself from the first to the second operative position, and vice versa. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through opening (48) is configured for allowing a user, at least during the closed condition of container and case, to contact from outside the package the grip portion and to move the selector between the first and the second operative position, and vice versa.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, in the second operative position, is at least partly interposed between the first and second coupling portion (12, 13) of the safety device (11) in order to prevent the engagement thereof.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, in the second operative position, is configured for acting thrustingly against the second coupling portion (13) carried by the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the movement between the first and the second operative position, is configured for pushing the second coupling portion (13) close to the compartment (3) of the container. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the movement between the first and the second operative position and during the closed condition of the package, is configured for relatively moving away said first and second coupling portion (12, 13). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the movement between the first and the second operative position and during the closed condition of the package, is configured for directly moving the second coupling portion (13) away from the first coupling portion (12).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one first coupling portion (12) is defined on the lateral wall of the case (102) carrying the selector (90). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is defined on the internal panel (10 b). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one first coupling portion (12) is integrally joined with the lateral wall of the case (102) directly facing (optionally directly carrying) said selector.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the container is made of sheet material, optionally paper. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the case (102) is made of sheet material, optionally paper.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is entirely arranged in the internal volume of the case. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one coupling portion (12) is distanced from the free edge (106) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) is distanced from the free edge (6) of the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13), in the locking condition, are engaged outside the compartment (3) of the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13), in the locking condition, are engaged inside the internal volume (103) of the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the container (1), in the open condition, is distinct and completely separate from the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through opening (48) is distinct and separate from the free edge (106) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through opening (48) is defined in interposition between the top wall (109) and the free edge of the case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) comprises at least one tab (12 a) engaged with at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) is substantially arranged in the internal volume (103). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion is extended from a lateral wall of the case (optionally defining an external wall of the case) according to a direction entering said internal volume (103).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tab (12 a) defines an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge (12 b) placed entirely in the internal volume (103). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the gripping edge (12 b) of the tab is distinct and distanced from the free edge (106) of the access (105). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the gripping edge (12 b) of the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) is at least partly tilted with respect to the free edge (106) of the access (105), optionally by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the gripping edge (12 b) of the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) has a substantially “V” or “C” shape whose concavity is directed towards the top wall (109) of the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is integrally joined with at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is integrally joined with at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102) by means of a folding edge to define a folded portion. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the folding edge between first coupling portion (12) and the lateral wall with which said portion is integrally joined, defines at least one part of the free edge (106) of the access (105) of the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12), optionally the tab (12 a), faces a lateral wall of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12), optionally the tab (12 a), is extended along a plane substantially parallel to a lying plane of the lateral wall of the case with which said first coupling portion is directly carried (optionally integrally joined).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the predetermined number of lateral walls (104) of the case (102) comprises:

-   -   a front wall (104 a),     -   a rear wall (104 b) opposite the front wall (104 b),     -   a first lateral wall (104 c) which connects the front and rear         wall (104 a, 104 b),     -   a second lateral wall (104 d) opposite the first lateral wall         and which also connects the front and rear wall (104 a, 104 b).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first coupling portion (12) is engaged at least with the front wall (104 a) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the package comprises two first coupling portions (12) engaged with respective lateral walls (104) of the case (102) opposite each other. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the package comprises a first coupling portion (12) carried by the front wall (104 a) of the case and a first coupling portion (12) carried by the rear wall (104 b) of the case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the top wall (109) of the case (102) is configured for being abutted, in the closed condition of container and case, against the free edge (6) of the opening (5) in order to obstruct the latter. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the predetermined number of lateral walls (104) of the case (102) emerges from a perimeter edge from the top wall (109). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the gripping edge (12 b) of the first coupling portion (12) is arranged in interposition between the top wall (109) and the access (105) of the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) comprises at least one panel (13 a) engaged with at least one lateral wall (4) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) substantially emerges from a lying plane of the lateral wall (4) of the container directly carrying said panel (13 a), according to a direction exiting from the compartment (3).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) defines an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge (13 b) placed outside the compartment (3). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the gripping edge (13 b) of the panel (13 a) is distinct and distanced from the free edge (6) of the opening (5) of the container.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the undercut defined by the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13), in the closed condition and when the selector is arranged in the first operative position, is stably engaged with the undercut of the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) to define said locking condition.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) has a substantially triangular shape or substantially trapezoidal shape or “V” or “C” shape. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects at least one section of the gripping edge (13 b) of the panel (13 a) has a substantially triangular shape or substantially trapezoidal shape or “V” or “C” shape.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects at least one section of the gripping edge (13 b) of the panel (13 a) of said second coupling portion (13) is tilted with respect to the free edge (6) of the opening (5). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects at least one section of the gripping edge (13 b) of the panel (13 a) is tilted with respect to the free edge (6) of the container (1) by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) is extended substantially along a plane which is tilted with respect to a lying plane of the lateral wall (4) of the container (1) directly carrying said panel, optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 30°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 20°. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tilt angle of the panel (13 a) is measured between facing surfaces of the panel (13 a) and of the lateral wall of the container directly carrying (optionally integrally joined) said panel (13 a).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a), in the locking condition, is interposed between the at least one tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) and the lateral wall (104) of the case directly carrying said at least one tab.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) is integrally joined with at least one lateral wall (4) of the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion is joined, by means of a folding edge, to a lateral wall (4) of the container (1) to define a folded portion, the panel (13 a) facing and at least partly superimposed on the lateral wall (4) with which it is directly integrally joined. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) is integrally joined with the lateral wall of the container (4) essentially defining, in cooperation with the latter, a single external lateral wall of the container. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) is made on a lateral wall (4) of the container by means of a through cut of said lateral wall, optionally the panel (13 a) defining at least part of the lateral wall (4) of the container with which the same panel is integrally joined. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) projects from the lateral wall (4) with which it is integrally joined according to a direction exiting from the compartment (3).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) projects from the lateral wall (4) with which it is integrally joined according to a direction exiting from the compartment (3).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the safety device (11) comprises a second coupling portion (13) for each first coupling portion (12) present on the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the safety device (11) comprises at least two second coupling portions (13) engaged with at least one lateral wall (4) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the safety device (11) comprises a second coupling portion (13) for each first coupling portion (12) present on the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the two second coupling portions (13) are engaged with respective lateral walls (4) of the container (1) opposite each other. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the predetermined number of lateral walls (4) of the container (1) comprises:

-   -   a front wall (4 a),     -   a rear wall (4 b) opposite said front wall (4 b) of the         container,     -   a first lateral wall (4 c) which connects the front and rear         wall (4 a, 4 b) of the container,     -   a second lateral wall (4 d) opposite the first lateral wall of         the container and which also connects the front and rear wall (4         a, 4 b) of the container.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein, in the closed condition:

-   -   the front walls (4 a, 104 a) respectively of the container and         of the case directly face each other,     -   the rear walls (4 b, 104 b) respectively of the container and of         the case directly face each other,     -   the first lateral walls (4 c, 104 c) respectively of the         container and of the case directly face each other,     -   the second lateral walls (4 b, 104 d) respectively of the         container and of the case directly face each other.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the predetermined number of lateral walls of the case is at least partly counter-shaped with respect to the predetermined number of lateral walls of the container. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) is engaged at least with the front wall (4 a) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13) is engaged at least with the front wall (4 a) and with the rear wall (4 b) of the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is carried by the front wall (104 a) of the case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the container (1) comprises a bottom wall (9), the predetermined number of lateral walls (4) of the container (1) emerging from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall (9). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the bottom wall (9), in the closed condition, is opposite the top wall (109) of the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one second coupling portion (13) of the container (1) is defined in interposition between the bottom wall (9) and the opening (5) of the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one second coupling portion (13) of the container (1) is defined in interposition between the bottom wall (9) and the opening (5) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one second coupling portion (13) of the container (1) is defined in interposition between the bottom wall (9) and the free edge (6) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one second coupling portion (13), optionally the panel (13 a), is distinct and distanced from the free edge (6) of the opening (5) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the at least one coupling portion (13), optionally the panel (13 a), is placed at a minimum distance of the free edge (6) of the container (1) equal to or greater than 5 mm, optionally equal to or greater than 7 mm, still more optionally comprised between 7 mm and 30 mm.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) is extended starting from an attachment portion (13 c) along a longitudinal direction away from the free edge (6) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the attachment portion (13 c) of the panel (13 a) is integrally joined with the lateral wall (4) of the container (1) directly carrying said panel (13 a). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the attachment portion (13 c) of the panel (13 a) is distanced from the free edge (6) of the container (1).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) is extended length-wise starting from a lateral wall (4) of the container (1) directly carrying said panel (optionally starting from the attachment portion 13 c) along a predetermined longitudinal direction, wherein said panel (13 a) has a predetermined length equal to or greater than 15 mm, optionally comprised between 15 mm and 100 mm; wherein the predetermined length of the panel is measured along said predetermined longitudinal direction.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) is extended length-wise starting from a lateral wall (4) of the container (1) along a predetermined longitudinal direction, wherein the ratio between the distance present between the panel (13 a) and the free edge (6) of the container (1) and the length of said panel (13 a) is equal to or lower than 2, optionally comprised between 0.05 and 1, still more optionally comprised between 0.2 and 1; wherein the predetermined length of the panel is measured along said predetermined longitudinal direction.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tab (12 a) faces the lateral wall of the case directly carrying said tab. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the tab (12 a) is tilted with respect to the lateral wall with which it faces by an angle lower than 40°, optionally comprised between 1° and 30°; optionally said angle being measured between facing surfaces of the tab (12 a) and of the lateral wall of the closure system directly carrying (optionally integrally joined) said tab (12 a). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) is extended along a plane. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12) is extended substantially parallel to the lateral wall (104) of the case (102) directly carrying said tab (12 a).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) faces the lateral wall (4) of the container directly carrying said panel (13 a).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) is extended along a plane. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is movable, between the first and the second operative position and vice versa, along a direction substantially parallel to a lying plane of the lateral wall (104) of the case directly carrying said selector.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the external panel (10 a), defining at least part of a lateral wall of the case (102), lies on a plane. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector substantially lying on a plane parallel to the lying plane of the external panel (10 a). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is movable, between the first and the second operative position and vice versa, along a direction substantially parallel to the lying plane of the external panel (10 a) of the case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the movement of the first and second operative position and vice versa, translates relatively to the case and to the container, substantially maintaining a same distance from the top wall (109) of the case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector, during the movement of the first and second operative position and vice versa, is configured for relatively sliding to the case in the internal volume of the latter. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the direction of movement of the selector is substantially parallel to the folding edge (10 c) of the external and internal panels (10 a, 10 b).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the selector comprises a pocket (92) configured for:

-   -   facing the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13), in         the first operative position of the selector and in the closed         condition of the package, in a manner such that the panel (13 a)         of the second coupling portion (13) can be engaged with the tab         (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12),     -   being offset with respect to the panel (13 a) of the second         coupling portion (13), in the second operative position of the         selector and in the closed condition of the package, in a manner         such that a part of the selector (90) can be interposed between         the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13), preventing         the respective engagement thereof.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the safety device (11) comprises a release portion (17) configured for allowing, at least in the locking condition of the safety device (11), intervention from outside the package on at least one between said first and second coupling portions (12, 13) in order to allow the disengagement thereof and hence allow the passage of case (102) and container (1) from the closed condition to the open condition.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the release portion (17) is configured for defining at least one through access (18) on the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the release portion (17), in the locking condition, is arranged at a first and a respective second coupling portion (12, 13). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the release portion (17) is configured for allowing a user, at least in the locking condition of the safety device (11), intervention from outside the package on at least one of said first and second coupling portion (12, 13) manually and/or by means of an opening device insertable through the through access (18).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the release portion (17) comprises at least one through access (18) defined on at least one lateral wall (104) of the case (102) and which allows the communication between external environment and the internal volume (103). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the release portion (17), optionally the through access (18), is configured for allowing, at least in the locking condition of the safety device (11), intervention from outside the package (100) directly on the second coupling portion (13).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through access (18) of the release portion (17) has an open perimeter profile. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through access (18) of the release portion (17) is integrally joined with the free edge (106) of the access (105) of the case (102) and essentially defines a groove of said free edge (106). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through access (18) of the release portion (17) has a closed perimeter profile. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through access (18) of the release portion (17) is distanced from the free edge (106) of the access (105) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through access (18) of the release portion (17) is interposed between said free edge (106) of the access (105) and the top wall of the same case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second coupling portion (13), optionally the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13), is interposed—in the locking condition—between the release portion (17) and the first coupling portion (12).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the through access (18) of the release portion is configured for allowing a user, during the locking condition, to thrustingly act directly on the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13) in order to allow the disengagement with the tab (12 a) of the first coupling portion (12).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the package (100) comprises:

-   -   two first coupling portions (12), one for each of said front and         rear wall (104 a, 104 b) of the case,     -   two second coupling portions (13), one for each of said front         and rear wall (4 a, 4 b) of the container, each of said second         coupling portions (13) being configured for cooperating with a         respective first coupling portion (12) of the case (102),     -   at least one selector (90) carried by the case (102) and placed         at the front wall (104 a) of the latter,     -   a release portion (17) defined on the rear wall (104 b) of the         case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) is configured for allowing and preventing the engagement between the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13) respectively carried by the front wall (104 a, 4 a) of the case and of the container. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the release portion (17) is configured for allowing a user to intervene, from outside the package and in the locking condition of the latter, on at least one between the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13) respectively carried by the rear wall (104 b, 4 b) of the case and of the container.

In a further aspect, a process of making a package (100) is provided in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises the following steps:

-   -   arranging a first flat blank (50) made of sheet material,         optionally made of paper sheet material, said first blank (50)         comprising:         -   a central sheet (51),         -   a predetermined number of lateral sheets (52) integrally             joined with the central sheet (51) and emerging from the             latter starting from a perimeter edge,         -   at least one peripheral sheet (53) engaged with at least one             of said lateral sheets (52),     -   folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets (52) in order         to define the predetermined number of lateral walls (104) of the         case (102),     -   defining the first coupling portion (12) of the safety device         (11) by means of the peripheral sheet (53) of the first blank         (50),     -   arranging a second flat blank (70) made of sheet material,         optionally made of paper sheet material, said second blank (70)         comprising:         -   a central sheet (71),         -   a predetermined number of lateral sheets (72) integrally             joined with the central sheet (71) and emerging from the             latter starting from a perimeter edge,     -   folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets (72) in order         to define the predetermined number of lateral walls (4) of the         container (1),     -   defining, on at least one of said lateral walls (4) of the         container, at least the second coupling portion (13) of the         safety device (11),     -   arranging at least one selector (90),     -   engaging said selected with at least one selected between the         container (1) and the case (102).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second blank is distinct from the first blank (50). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second blank is completely separate from the first blank.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the central sheet (51) of the first blank (50) has a rectangular shape. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects each lateral sheet has a rectangular shape.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the folding of the lateral sheets (52) of the first blank (50) defines the front wall (104 a), the rear wall (104 b), the first and the second lateral wall (104 c, 104 d) of the case (102). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the central sheet (51), following the folding of the lateral sheets (52) of the first blank (50), defines the top wall (109).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the peripheral sheet (53) of the first blank is integrally joined with at least one lateral sheet (52) of the first blank (50) itself, the peripheral sheet (53) of the first blank (50) emerging from a perimeter edge of at least one lateral sheet (52) of the first blank (50) itself on the side opposite the central sheet (51) of the first blank.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the step of defining the first coupling portion (12) provides for the folding of the peripheral sheet (53) of the first blank (50) above the lateral sheet (52) of the same first blank (50) with which said peripheral sheet (53) is integrally joined.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first blank (50) comprises at least two peripheral sheets (53) engaged respectively with opposite lateral sheets (52) of the first blank (50) itself with respect to the central sheet (51).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the process comprises the following steps:

-   -   folding and constraining each peripheral sheet (53) above the         lateral sheet with which said peripheral sheet is directly         connected, optionally integrally joined,     -   subsequently folding the lateral sheets to define the lateral         walls (104) of the case (102) in a manner such that each         peripheral sheet (53) defines a respective first coupling         portion (12) placed in the internal volume of the case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first blank (50) comprises at least one connection sheet (55) which integrally joins two adjacent lateral sheets (52). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein, following the folding of the lateral sheets (52) of the first blank (50), two adjacent lateral sheets are stably constrained, e.g. by means of gluing, in a manner such that the case can stably maintain a three-dimensional configuration. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the process also comprises, simultaneously with the folding of the lateral sheets, the superimposition and joining, e.g. by means of gluing, of the connection sheet (55) to folded adjacent lateral sheets.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the central sheet (71) of the second blank (70) has a rectangular shape. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second blank (70) comprises a lateral sheet (72) for each side of the central sheet (71), optionally each lateral sheet also has a rectangular shape.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the folding of the lateral sheets (72) of the second blank (70) defines the front wall, the rear wall, the first and the second lateral wall (4 c, 4 d) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the central sheet (71), following the folding of the lateral sheets (72), of the second blank (70) defines the bottom wall (9) of the container.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the step of defining the second coupling portion comprises:

-   -   arranging a peripheral sheet (73) integrally joined with at         least one of said lateral sheets (72) of the second blank (70),         said peripheral sheet (73) of the second blank (70) emerging         from a perimeter edge of at least one lateral sheet (72) of the         second blank (70) itself on the side opposite the central sheet         (51) of the second blank,     -   folding said peripheral sheet (73) above said lateral sheets         (72) of the same second blank (70) with which said peripheral         sheet (73) is integrally joined,     -   constraining, e.g. by means of gluing, said peripheral sheet         folded on the lateral sheet (72) of the same second blank (70)         with which said peripheral sheet (73) is integrally joined.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the step of defining the second coupling portion (13) comprises a step of executing a through notch (76) of one of said lateral sheets (72) of the second blank (70) in order to define, directly on said lateral sheet, the panel (13 a) of the second coupling portion (13). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the second blank (70) comprises at least one connection sheet (75) which integrally joins two adjacent lateral sheets (72). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein, following the folding of the lateral sheets (72) of the second blank (70), two adjacent lateral sheets are stably constrained, e.g. by means of gluing, in a manner such that the container (1) can stably maintain a three-dimensional configuration. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein the process also comprises, simultaneously with the folding of the lateral sheets (72) of the second blank, the superimposition and joining, e.g. by means of gluing, of the connection sheet (75) to folded adjacent lateral sheets (72).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the folding of the peripheral sheet of the first blank (50) above at least the lateral wall defining the external panel and the internal panel.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the peripheral sheet (53) defines said internal panel (10 b) while the lateral sheet of the first blank, with which said peripheral sheet is directly integrally joined, defines said external panel (10 a). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein, before the definition of the external and internal panels, the process provides for the positioning of the selector above the lateral wall of the first blank directly integrally joined with the peripheral sheet, the selector, following the folding of the peripheral sheet, situated interposed between external and internal panels (10 a, 10 b).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the step of defining the first coupling portion (12) comprises the execution of a through notch (58) of a peripheral sheet (53) in order to define, directly on said peripheral sheet, the tab (12 a), optionally defining the gripping edge (12 b), of the first coupling portion (12).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the process also comprises a step of defining on the lateral sheet (52) of the first blank (50), directly joined with the peripheral sheet (53), at least one through cut (57) adapted to define the through opening (48) of the case (102) through which it is possible to contact and move the selector.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the step of arranging the selector (90) comprises a step of cutting a base semifinished sheet made of sheet material, optionally flat. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the cutting step defines the shape of the selector together with the shape of the pocket (92).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector (90) following its formation is inserted in interposition between a lateral sheet (52) and a peripheral sheet (53) of the first blank that are folded together, optionally the selector being situated between an external lateral wall of the case defined by the folded lateral sheet (52) and the internal panel (10 b) of the same case defined by the folded peripheral sheet (53). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects following the folding of the lateral sheet (52) and of the peripheral sheet (53), integrally joined with said lateral sheet, said sheets are constrained with each other by gluing, said glued sheets defining the seat (49) within which the selector (90) is engaged.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the first blank (50) comprises a first and a second auxiliary sheet (79 a, 79 b) integrally joined with each other and emerging from a lateral sheet (52) on the side opposite the central sheet (51) of the first blank,

wherein the first auxiliary sheet (79 a) is interposed between the second auxiliary sheet (79 b) and the lateral sheet (52) of the first blank,

the selector (90) is obtained by means of a step of notching the second auxiliary sheet (79 b). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects following the notch of the second auxiliary sheet (79 b), said second sheet (79 b) is folded on the first auxiliary sheet (79 a), the first and the second superimposed auxiliary sheet are in turn folded on the lateral sheet (52) in a manner such that said lateral sheet can define an external lateral wall (104) of the case (102) while the first auxiliary sheet (79 a) defines the internal panel (10 b) of the same case.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the process provides for at least one step of arranging at least one release portion (17). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the step of arranging the release portion (17) comprises at least one step of defining a notch (59) of at least one lateral sheet (52) of the first blank configured for defining the through access (18). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the notch (59) is of the type passing through the lateral wall (52), said notch being executed on the lateral wall (52) directly integrally joined with a peripheral sheet (53).

In a further aspect, a method is provided for closing a package in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects said closing method comprises the following steps:

-   -   positioning the case (102) outside the container (1) in a manner         such that the latter can be at least partly housed in the         internal volume of the case (102),     -   moving the case (102) and the container (1) relatively with         respect to each other to define the closed condition,     -   arranging the selector (90) in the first operative position so         as to allow the engagement of at least one first coupling         portion (12) with at least one second coupling portion (13) of         the safety device (11) in order to define the locking condition.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein—before the step of positioning the case (102) outside the container (1)—said case and container are completely separate and distinct from each other. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the relative movement between case and container provides for the relative translation of the case (102) with respect to the container up to an end stop position wherein the top wall (109) of the case (102) is abutted against the free edge (6) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein, in the end stop position, the free edge (106) of the case (102) is arranged at the bottom wall (9) of the container (1). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the selector is arranged in the first operative position before the definition of the closed condition. In a further aspect a method for opening a package is provided in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects. In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the opening method comprises the following steps:

-   -   moving, in the locking condition and from outside the package         (100), the selector (90) from the first to the second operative         position so as to disengage the first and the second coupling         portion (12, 13),     -   following the step of disengaging the first and the second         coupling portion (12, 13), relatively moving away the container         (1) and the case (102) up to reaching the open condition of the         package.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the step of movement of the selector occurs from outside the package (100) through the through opening (48). In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the disengagement step provides for the thrust of the second coupling portion (13) of the container (1) close to the compartment (3) by means of the selector.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the opening method comprises the following steps:

-   -   contacting, in the locking condition and from outside the         package (100), at least one between the first and the second         coupling portion (12, 13) through the release portion (17),     -   disengaging the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13),     -   following the step of disengaging the first and the second         coupling portion (12, 13), relatively moving away the container         (1) and the case (102) up to reaching the open condition of the         package.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects wherein, the step of contacting at least one between the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13) comprises at least one between the following sub-steps:

-   -   inserting at least one opening device through the through access         (18) of the release portion (17),     -   manually contacting at least one between the first and the         second coupling portion (12, 13), for example by means of         insertion of a finger of a user through the through access (18)         of the release portion (17),     -   deforming a thrust portion of the same case (102) in a manner         such that such thrust portion can contact at least one between         the first and the second coupling portion (12, 13).

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects, the disengagement step comprises the thrust of the second portion of the container (1) close to the compartment (3), optionally by means of a manual intervention of a user or by means of an opening device.

In a further aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects the opening of the package (100) provides for the movement of the selector into the second operative position and the intervention of the user on at least one between said first and second coupling portion (12, 13) through said release portion (17).

In a further aspect, a use of the package is provided in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects for containing products comprising at least one selected in the group from among: drugs, cosmetics, detergents for linens/sheets, detergents for dishes, foods, cigars, cigarettes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several embodiments and several aspects of the finding will be described hereinbelow with reference to the enclosed drawings, provided only as a non-limiting example wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively illustrate a blank for making a case and a container of a package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a case of a package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container of a package in accordance with the present invention adapted to cooperate with a case in accordance with FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a case of a package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container of a package in accordance with the present invention adapted to cooperate with a case in accordance with FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 and 8A are cross sections of a package in accordance with the present invention illustrated in different operative conditions;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view, according to the trace IX-IX, of the package of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view, according to the trace X-X, of the package of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic views of a container of a package in accordance with the present invention,

FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic views of further blanks for making a case and a container of a package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a case of a package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a container of a package in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a package in a closed condition;

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a step of a method for opening a package in accordance with the present invention.

DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS

It is observed that in the present detailed description, corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated with the same numeric references. The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by means of representations that are not in scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures relative to the object of the invention might only regard schematic representations.

With the term “product” it is intended an article or a compound of articles of any kind. For example, the product can be in the solid state, liquid state or in gel form, or in the form of two or more of the aforesaid aggregation states. The product can also be intended as a package, e.g. a blister, carrying a plurality of articles. The product can comprise:

The product can comprise: drugs, cosmetic products, capsules for dishwashers and washing machines, cleaning products for the home and for linens/sheets (e.g. detergents), foods and cigarettes.

With the term “paper material” it is intended paper or cardboard, e.g. having at least 50% by weight, optionally at least 70% by weight, of organic material comprising one or more from among cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin derivatives. The paper material can be made of sheet material having a basis weight comprised between 100 and 500 g/m². The paper sheet material can be covered at least partly by means of a coating made of plastic material, e.g. a film, whose object is that of: reinforcing the paper sheet material, defining a water and/or moisture barrier. The coating can have a thickness variable between 10 and 50 μm and can be made with one or more of the following materials: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE.

The term “blank” refers to a flat semifinished product made of sheet material, for example made of paper sheet material, foldable on itself in order to make the package. The blank can be made of a single piece and obtainable by means of die cutting a single sheet.

With the expression “folded configuration of the blank” it is intended a configuration in which the blank has been folded to form the container.

With the term “sheet material” it is intended a material that has two dimensions, for example the length and the width, considerably greater than a third dimension, such as the thickness.

With the term “opening device” it is intended any one tool usable by a user for opening the package. For example, the opening device can comprise at least one selected from the group between: a body made of sheet material e.g. a payment card, a loyalty card or a suitable key), an elongated body (e.g. a pen or a suitable key).

With the term “manually intervening” or “manual intervention” referred to the user, it is intended a manual action performed by the user without the aid of tools, such as an opening device. With manual action it is therefore intended the intervention of the user by means of his/her hands directly on the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Package 100

With 100, a child-proof package for containing products was indicated in its entirety. Such package can have application in the fields which require, for safety reasons, preventing the opening of the same package by children; for example, the package 100 can be employed for containing: drugs, cosmetics, cleaning products (detergents for linens/sheets and dishes), foods and tobacco-based products (cigars and cigarettes).

As is visible from FIGS. 3 to 8, the package 100 comprises a container 1 made of sheet material, e.g. made of paper material, defining a compartment 3 for housing at least one product. The container 1 has a predetermined number of lateral walls 4 defining at least one opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the opening 5 is configured for allowing the insertion and picking up of the product from the container 1.

The container 1 can have a quadrangular prismatic shape as illustrated in the enclosed figures, even if not excluding the possibility to make a container 1 having different shape, e.g. square, trapezoidal or cylindrical shape. In detail, the container 1 can comprise a front lateral wall 4 a and a rear lateral wall 4 b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall 4 a and the rear wall 4 b are connected to each other by means of a first and a second lateral wall 4 c, 4 d, also facing and parallel to each other. the front wall 4 a is distanced from and opposite the rear wall 4 b; the first and second lateral wall 4 c, 4 d are also distanced and opposite each other. The ends of the front, rear and lateral walls (4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d) define the opening 5, delimited by the free edge 6.

The container 1 also comprises a bottom wall 9 having rectangular shape and from which, starting from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall 9, the lateral walls 4 and in particular the front wall 4 a, the rear wall 4 b and the first and second lateral walls 4 c, 4 d emerge. The container 1 then comprises a single opening 5 defined opposite the bottom wall 9.

However, the possibility of making a container 1 having two or more openings 5 cannot be excluded. The compartment 3 of the container can have a volume greater than 40 cm³, optionally greater than 100 cm³ as a function of the products to be contained. For example, if the container 1 is used for containing medium-size products, the compartment 3 can have a volume comprised between 800 and 1400 cm³. For large-size products, the compartment 3 can reach volumes greater than 10,000 cm³.

The package 100 also comprises a case 102, that can also be made of sheet material, e.g. paper, and having a predetermined number of lateral walls 104 defining at least one access 105 delimited by a free edge 106 configured for allowing the passage of the container 1. The predetermined number of lateral walls 104 of the case 102 delimits an internal volume 103 configured for receiving at least part of the container 1; in fact, the access 105 is configured for placing in communication the internal volume 103 with the external environment, as well as allowing the insertion and the removal of the container 1 from said internal volume 103.

The case 102 and the container 1 are defined by elements that are distinct and completely separable from each other, as schematized in FIG. 2. In particular, case 102 and container 1 are relatively movable with respect to each other at least between:

-   -   a closed condition in which the case 102 obstructs the opening 5         of the container 1, and     -   an open condition in which the case 102 allows the communication         between the compartment 3 and the external environment.

The relative movement between case and container can be obtained by moving both the parts, i.e. both the case and the container or it can be obtained by means of the movement of only one of the parts: for example it is possible to maintain the container fixed and only move the case relative to the container. In detail, the container 1, in the closed condition (schematized for example in FIGS. 7-10, 18), is at least partly arranged in the internal volume 103: the case 102, in such condition, prevents the insertion and picking up of products from the container. In the open condition, the case 102 is completely separate (distanced) from the container 1 as visible for example in FIG. 2. During the passage from the closed condition to the open condition, and vice versa, container 1 and case relatively slide with respect to each other close to or away from each other: during such relative movement, the container is placed at least partly within the case and relatively translates (by movement of at least one between said container and case) in a manner such that the bottom wall 9 of the container 1 and the top wall 109 of the case 102 are moved close to or away from each other.

The case 102 has a structure at least partly counter-shaped with respect to the container 1 in a manner such that, in the closed condition, the case 102 is fit outside the container 1. In detail, the case 102 comprises a front wall 104 a and a rear wall 104 b opposite each other and connected by means of a first and a second lateral wall 104 c and 104 d, also distanced and opposite each other. In detail, also the case 102 has a rectangular prismatic shape: the front wall 104 a and the rear wall 104 b (with square or rectangular shape) are facing and parallel to each other and connected to each other by means of the first and of the second lateral wall 104 c,104 d (with square or rectangular shape) also facing and parallel to each other. In the closed condition:

-   -   the front walls 4 a, 104 a, respectively of the container and of         the case, directly face each other,     -   the rear walls 4 b, 104 b, respectively of the container and of         the case, directly face each other,     -   the first lateral walls 4 c, 104 c, respectively of the         container and of the case, directly face each other,     -   the second lateral walls 4 b, 104 d, respectively of the         container and of the case, directly face each other.

However, the possibility of making a case 102 having different form, e.g. with trapezoidal section, cannot be excluded. As is visible for example from FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 8, 15, 17 and 18, the case 102 also comprises a top wall 109 having rectangular shape and from which, starting from a perimeter edge of the top wall 109, the lateral walls 104 and in particular the front wall 104 a, the rear wall 104 b and the first and second lateral walls 104 c, 104 d emerge. The case 102 then comprises a single access 105 defined opposite the top wall 109. However, the possibility of making a case 102 having two or more accesses 105 cannot be excluded; for example, the case 102 could have an access 105 on at least one of the lateral walls 104 c, 104 d of the same case 102. The top wall 109 is configured for being abutted, in the closed condition, against the free edge 6 of the opening 5 in order to obstruct the latter, as is visible in FIG. 6.

As mentioned above, the case 102 is counter-shaped with respect to the container 1. The counter-shaped configuration of container 1 and case 102 allows the lateral walls of the case 102 to slide (relatively) externally side-by-side the lateral walls 4 of the container 1 during the passage from the closed condition to the open condition and vice versa. In order to allow such relative movement, the case 102 has a size slightly greater than the container 1, sufficient to allow the insertion of the latter in the internal volume 103.

As is visible for example in FIGS. 9, 10 and 15, the case 102 comprises at least one external panel 10 a and an internal panel 10 b defining a seat 49 within which a selector 90 is housed, which will be better described in the following detailed description.

At least one lateral wall 104 of the case 102, in particular at least one between the front wall 104 a and the rear wall 140 c, is defined by the external panel 10 a. It is useful to observe that the internal panel 10 b is arranged, at least in the closed condition of the case 102 and of the container 1, in interposition between the container 1 and the external panel 10 a with which it is integrally joined at a folding edge 10 c. The external and internal panels 10 a, 10 b directly face each other. The external panel 10 a and the internal panel 10 b therefore define a folded portion along the folding edge 10 c, the latter defining at least part of said free edge 106 of the case 102. In fact, usually the external panel 10 a defines at least one part of a lateral wall 104 of the case 102: the internal wall 10 b is at least partly arranged in the internal volume 103.

The external panel 10 a has at least one through opening 48 configured for allowing, in the closed condition of the case 102 and of the container 1, intervention from outside the container on the selector 90. The through opening 48 is hence configured for placing in communication, at least in the closed condition of container and case, the seat 49 and the environment outside the package 100.

The package 100 also comprises a safety device 11 comprising:

-   -   at least one first coupling portion 12 carried by the case 102         and which is arranged at least partly in the internal volume         103,     -   at least one second coupling portion 13 carried by the container         1 and arranged outside the compartment 3.

The first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 are configured for being stably engaged with each other outside the container 1, in the closed condition, to define a locking condition of the safety device 11 in which the first and second coupling portion 12, 13 prevent container and case from passing from the closed condition to the open condition. The at least one first coupling portion 12 is engaged with at least one lateral wall 104 of the case 102 carrying the selector 90: for example, the coupling portion can be defined on the internal panel 10 b. The first coupling portion 12 can comprise at least one tab 12 a projecting from the lateral wall 104 to define an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge 12 b placed entirely in the internal volume 103, distinct and distanced from the free edge 106 of the access 105. The gripping edge 12 b of the tab 12 a is at least partly tilted with respect to the free edge 106 of the access 105, optionally by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°. In detail, the tab 12 a is extended along a plane and directly faces the lateral wall 104 of the case directly carrying the tab 12 a. The tab 12 a can be parallel or at least partly tilted with respect to the lateral wall 104 directly carrying said tab 12 a.

In the enclosed figures, a first coupling portion 12 (at least one tab 12 a) is illustrated, directly integrally joined with at least one lateral wall 104 by means of a folding edge to define a folded portion. In fact, the tab 12 a is made in a single piece with a lateral wall 104 and folded with respect to the latter in a manner such that the tab is at least partly superimposed and faces the lateral wall 104 with which said tab is directly connected (integrally joined). In such configuration, the folding edge joining the tab 12 a and the lateral wall 104, defines at least part of the free edge 106 of the access 105. Even if the tab 12 a is integrally joined with the lateral wall 104, only a part of this defines the undercut adapted to cooperate with the second coupling portion 13: the gripping edge 12 b is always distinct and distanced from the free edge 106 of the access 105.

In fact, the at least one tab 12 a of the first coupling portion is entirely directly facing the lateral wall 104 of the case directly carrying said tab 12 a: the tab 12 a is entirely superimposed on said lateral wall 104 of the case 102 directly integrally joined with the tab, and distanced from the free edge 106. On the other side, the gripping edge 12 b of each first coupling portion 12 is arranged in interposition between the top wall 109 and the access 105 of the case 102.

As mentioned above, the safety device 11 can comprise at least one first coupling portion 12. In detail, the safety device 11 can comprise at least one of the following:

-   -   at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the         front wall 104 a of the case 102,     -   at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the         rear wall 104 b of the case 102,     -   at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the         first lateral wall 104 c of the case 102,     -   at least one of said first coupling portion 12 carried by the         second lateral wall 104 c of the case 102.

In the enclosed figures a non-limiting configuration of the invention is illustrated, in which the safety device 11 comprises a first coupling portion 12 carried by the front wall 104 a and at least one respective first coupling portion 12 carried by the rear wall 104 b: said first coupling portions 12 are placed opposite each other. Of course, the possibility of arranging two or more first coupling portions on the same lateral wall and/or at least one first coupling portion for each lateral wall 104 of the case 102 cannot be excluded.

As mentioned above, the safety device 11 also comprises at least one second coupling portion 13. In particular, the safety device 11 could comprise only one second coupling portion 13 configured for cooperating with one or more of said first coupling portions 12. As an alternative, the safety device 11 can comprise a second coupling portion 13 for each first coupling portion 12 (non-limiting configuration illustrated in the enclosed figures).

The second coupling portion 13 is engaged with at least one lateral wall 4 of the container 1 and emerges from the latter according to a direction exiting with respect to the compartment 3. The second coupling portion 13 comprises at least one panel 13 a projecting from the lateral wall 4 to define an undercut delimited by at least one gripping edge 13 b placed outside the compartment 3, distinct and distanced from the free edge 6 of the opening 5. The panel 13 a has a substantially triangular shape or substantially trapezoidal shape or substantially “V” or “C” shape: in which the gripping edge 13 b has at least one section, optionally two rectilinear sections, tilted with respect to the free edge 6 of the opening 5 optionally by an angle comprised between 20° and 80°, still more optionally by an angle comprised between 30° and 70°. In more detail, the free edge 13 b of the panel 13 a has a substantially “V” or “C” shape whose concavity is directed towards the free edge 6 of the container. In detail, the panel 13 a is extended along a plane and directly faces the lateral wall 4 of the container 1 directly carrying the panel 13 a; the panel 13 a can be tilted with respect to the lateral wall 4 directly carrying said panel 13 a by an angle lower than 40°, optionally by an angle comprised between 1° and 30°. The angle is measured between the surface of the panel 13 a directly facing the lateral wall 4 and the same lateral wall 4 of the container 1 directly carrying (directly integrally joined) said panel 13 a.

The second coupling portion 13 can comprise a panel 13 a directly integrally joined with at least one of said lateral walls 4 of the container 1 and at least partly folded above the latter. The panel 13 a is at least partly superimposed and facing the lateral wall 4 with which said panel 13 a is directly connected (integrally joined). Even if the panel 13 a is integrally joined with the lateral wall 4, only a part of said panel 13 a defines the undercut adapted to cooperate with the first coupling portion 12: the gripping edge 13 b is always distinct and distanced from the free edge 6 of the opening 5. In fact, in such configuration the at least one panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13 directly and entirely faces the lateral wall 4 of the container directly carrying said panel 13 a: the panel 13 a is entirely superimposed on the lateral wall 4 of the container 1 directly integrally joined with the panel 13 a, and distanced from the free edge 6.

The second coupling portion 13 can be obtained directly on the lateral wall (external wall of the container) by means of a through cut operation of said lateral wall 4: in this manner, on said lateral wall is is possible to extract the panel 13 a which projects with respect to said lateral wall as illustrated for example in FIGS. 4, 11, 12 and 16. In such configuration, the entire panel 13 a can be extended from the lateral wall 4, distanced from the free edge 6, away from the latter by an angle lower than 40°, optionally comprised between 1° and 30°, with respect to the lateral wall 4 from which the same panel 13 a has been obtained. Indeed, also in such configuration (FIG. 4A), the panel 13 a is defined at least partly within a through notch of the lateral wall 4; the panel 13 a has an attachment portion 13 c distanced from the free edge and integrally joined with the lateral wall 4: the panel is extended from said attachment portion 13 c away from the free edge 6 of the container. In detail, the coupling portion 13, optionally the panel 13 a, is placed at a minimum distance of the free edge 6 of the container 1 equal to or greater than 5 mm, optionally equal to or greater than 7 mm, still more optionally comprised between 7 mm and 30 mm. Indeed, the minimum distance is measured (defined) by the attachment portion 13 c of the panel 13 a to the free edge 6.

Each second coupling portion 13 comprises one and only one panel 13 a having a substantially triangular shape or in any case pointed shape adapted to cooperate with the first coupling portion 12. The safety device 11 can comprise at least one second coupling portion 13. In detail, the safety device 11 can comprise at least one from among the following:

-   -   at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the         front wall 4 a of the container 1,     -   at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the         rear wall 4 b of the container 1,     -   at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the         first lateral wall 4 c container 1,     -   at least one of said second coupling portion 13 carried by the         second lateral wall 4 c of the container 1.

In the enclosed figures a non-limiting configuration of the invention is illustrated, in which the safety device 11 comprises a second coupling portion 13 carried by the front wall 4 a and a respective second coupling portion 13 carried by the rear wall 4 b: said second coupling portions 13 are placed opposite each other.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the panel 13 a can comprise, as shown in FIG. 6, at least two portions 13 a ′ and 13 a ″ each configured for being engaged respectively with one of said tabs 12 a. The portions 13 a ′ and 13 a ″ also have a substantially triangular shape or substantially trapezoidal shape. The gripping edge 13 b of each of said portions 13 a ′, 13 a ″ defines a gripping edge having substantially “V” shape whose concavity is directed towards the free edge 6 of the opening 5. The portions 13 a ′ and 13 a ″ are side-by-side each other.

Each panel 13 a can be extended length-wise starting from a lateral wall 4 (optionally starting from the attachment portion 13 c) of the container along a predetermined longitudinal direction. To define a predetermined length of the panel 13 a equal to or greater than 15 mm, optionally comprised between 15 mm and 100 mm; in which the predetermined length of the panel 13 a is measured along said predetermined longitudinal direction. The ratio between the distance present between the panel 13 a and the free edge 6 of the container 1 and the length of said panel 13 a is equal to or lower than 2, optionally comprised between 0.05 and 1, still more optionally comprised between 0.2 and 1; in which the predetermined length of the panel is measured along said predetermined longitudinal direction.

In the configuration illustrated in the enclosed figures, the second coupling portion 13 carried by the front wall 4 a of the container 1 is configured for cooperating, in the closed condition, with the first coupling portion 12 carried by the front wall 104 a of the case while the second coupling portion 13 carried by the rear wall 4 b of the container 1 is configured for cooperating, in the closed condition, with the first coupling portion 12 carried by the rear wall 104 b of the case.

In the closed condition the undercut defined by the panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13 is stably engaged with the undercut of the tab 12 a of the first coupling portion 12 to define said locking condition. In the locking condition, the safety device prevents case and container from passing from the closed condition to the open condition. In fact, due to the presence of the first and second coupling portion, the safety device 11 stably maintains the package in the closed condition, preventing the access from outside to the products housed in the container 1.

In FIG. 9, the engagement between the first and second coupling portion 12, 13 (locking condition of the safety device 11) is schematically illustrated; as is visible, in the locking condition, the second coupling portion 13 is interposed between the first coupling portion 12 and the lateral wall 104 of the case 102, carrying said first coupling portion, to define an undercut adapted to limit the moving away movement between case 102 and container 1 so as to prevent the passage from the closed condition to the open condition.

As mentioned above, the panel 13 a has, at least partly, a substantially “V” shape whose pointed portion is directed away from the free edge 6. The pointed (end) portion of the “V” is configured for defining an introduction portion adapted to facilitate the engagement with the first coupling portion 12.

As mentioned above, the package 100 comprises at least one selector 90 made of sheet material, optionally paper, carried by at least one between the container 1 and the case 102 and movable at least between a first and a second operative position.

In the first operative position the selector 90 allows, upon verifying the closed condition of container 1 and case 102, the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 to be stably engaged with each other to define a locking condition of the safety device 11 in which said first and second coupling portion 12, 13 prevent case and container from passing from the closed condition to the open condition. Vice versa, in the second operative position the selector 90 prevents, upon verifying the closed condition of container 1 and case 102, the engagement between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 in a manner such that case and container can freely pass from the closed condition to the open condition.

It is useful to observe that the selector 90 is arranged, during the movement between the first and the second operative position, within the internal volume of the case 102. The selector 90 is at least partly engaged and stably carried by at least one lateral wall of the case 102. In detail, the selector 90 is entirely engaged within the seat 49, hence lying in interposition between the external panel 10 a and the internal panel 10 b.

The selector 90 comprises a handling portion 91 directly facing the through opening 48 of the case and configured for allowing a user, at least during the closed condition of container and case, to contact the grip portion from outside the package and to move the selector between the first and the second operative position, and vice versa. During such movement, taking place within the internal volume of the case, the selector 90 translates, maintaining substantially a same distance from the top wall 109 of the case, along a direction substantially parallel to the lying plane of the external panel 10 a of the case 102, in particular substantially parallel to the folding edges 10 c of the external and internal panels 10 a, 10 b. Finally, it is useful to observe that the selector 90, during the movement between the first and the second operative position, is configured for pushing the second coupling portion 13 close to the compartment 3 of the container 1, allowing the passage of the case and of the storage from the closed condition to the open condition. The selector 90, in the second operative position, acts thrustingly against the second coupling portion in interposition between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13. In said position, the selector 90 prevents, following the at least partial introduction of the container 1 within the internal volume of the case 102, the engagement between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 and consequently the verification of the locking condition of the safety device 11.

In detail, the selector comprises a pocket 92 configured for:

-   -   facing the panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13, in the         first operative position of the selector and in the closed         condition of the package, in a manner such that the panel 13 a         of the second coupling portion 13 can be engaged with the tab 12         a of the first coupling portion 12,     -   being offset with respect to the panel 13 a of the second         coupling portion 13, in the second operative position of the         selector and in the closed condition of the package, in a manner         such that a part of the selector 90 can be interposed between         the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13, preventing the         respective engagement thereof.

In fact, the pocket 92 defines a passage which allows the panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13 to reach, when the selector is in the first operative position, the tab 12 a in order to allow the engagement thereof. In the enclosed figures, a selector 90 is illustrated having, in a non-limiting manner, a pocket 92 substantially counter-shaped with respect to the panel 13 a.

The package 100 can also comprise a further safety device 11 also comprising at least one release portion 17 configured for defining at least one through access 18 on at least one lateral wall 104 of the case 102, at the first and second coupling portion 12, 13: the release portion 17 is configured for allowing, at least in the locking condition of the safety device 11, the direct access from outside the package to at least one between said first and second coupling portion 12, 13 in order to allow the disengagement thereof and hence allow the passage of case 102 and container from the closed condition to the open condition. In detail, the release portion 17 is configured for allowing a user, at least in the locking condition of the safety device 11, intervention from outside the package 100 directly on at least one of said first and second coupling portion 12, 13 manually and/or by means of an opening device insertable through the through access 18 definable by said release portion. In still more detail, the release portion 17 is configured for allowing, at least in the locking condition of the safety device 11, intervention from outside the package 100 directly on the panel 13 a of at least one of said second coupling portions 13. The release portion 17 can comprise, in a non-limiting manner, a through access 18 defined on at least one lateral wall 104 of the case 102: the through access 18 is configured for allowing the communication between the external environment and the internal volume 103 and specifically allows a user to reach the panel 13 a in the locking condition of the safety device 11 and hence in the closed condition of the case and the container. Alternatively, the release portion 17 could comprise a deformable portion placed, in the locking condition, in front of the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13: in such configuration, the release portion 17 essentially comprises a thrust portion configured for being moved (manually by the user or by means of an opening device) between a thrust condition and a rest condition. In the rest condition, the thrust portion is distanced from the safety device, while in the thrust condition the thrust portion operates on the safety device in order to allow the disengagement between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 and consequently the passage of case and container from the closed condition to the open condition. In the thrust condition, the thrust portion contacts the second coupling portion 13 and allows the disengagement thereof with respect to the first coupling portion 12. In fact, the thrust portion can functionally act as a button. The thrust of a finger of a user on the thrust portion according to a direction entering the package allows the thrust portion to come into contact with the second coupling portion 13, disengaging it from the undercut of the first coupling portion 12. The thrust portion can be reversibly movable between the thrust condition and the rest condition. For such purpose, the thrust portion can be elastically deformable between the thrust condition and the rest condition.

The release portion 17, optionally the through access 18, is defined in interposition between the two tabs of the first coupling portion 12: the two tabs 12 a are positioned symmetrically with respect to the release portion 17. Still in the locking condition, the second coupling portion 13, optionally the panel of the second coupling portion 13, is interposed between the release portion 17 and the first coupling portion 12. The release portion (optionally the through access 18) allows the user—by means of a direct manual action or by means of the insertion of an opening device—to push the panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13 against the lateral wall 4 of the container carrying said portion in a manner such to cause the disengagement with the at least one tab 12 a of the first coupling portion 12. The opening device can be part of the package 100.

The package 100 can comprise two first coupling portions defined on opposite walls of the case and two respective second coupling portions defined at opposite lateral walls of the container; the package can also comprise a selector 90, for one of said first and second coupling portions, and a release portion 17, for the other between said first and second coupling portions. In such configuration in order to allow the opening of the package, the user will have to move the selector 90 from the first to the second operative position and also intervene through the release portion on said first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 placed in proximity to said release portion. In other words, the latter described configuration has a double lock and two different means for opening the package.

Manufacturing Process

Also forming the object of the present invention is a process for making a package 100 in accordance with one or more of the enclosed claims and/or in accordance with the above-reported description.

The process provides for arranging the case 102 attainable by means of a first flat blank 50 made of sheet material, optionally paper. The first blank 50 comprises:

-   -   a central sheet 51,     -   a predetermined number of lateral sheets 52 integrally joined         with the central sheet 51 and emerging from the latter starting         from a perimeter edge,     -   at least one peripheral sheet 53 engaged with at least one of         said lateral sheets 52.

The central sheet 51 has a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. From each side of the central sheet 51, a lateral sheet 52 is extended, also having a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square.

The arranging of the case 102 comprises the sub-step of folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets 52 in order to define the predetermined number of lateral walls 104 of the case 102. In detail, the lateral sheets are folded with respect to the central sheet 51 in a manner such that from the flat blank it is possible to obtain a case having three-dimensional conformation. The lateral sheets 52 are constrained with each other in a manner such that the case 102 can maintain its three-dimensional form; the lateral sheets 52 can be constrained directly with each other by means of glue or any one adhesive material. Alternatively, the blank 50 can be provided with at least one connection sheet 55 which integrally joins two adjacent lateral sheets 52 (FIGS. 2, 13); in such configuration, the process≥simultaneously with the folding of the lateral sheets 52—provides for the superimposition and joining, e.g. by means of gluing, of the connection sheet 55 to folded adjacent lateral sheets: in this manner, the case can maintain its three-dimensional form with the lateral sheets 52 which define the lateral walls 104 and the central sheet to define the top wall 109.

The process also provides for the definition of the at least one first coupling portion 12 by means of the at least one peripheral sheet 53. In detail, the peripheral sheet 53 is integrally joined with at least one lateral sheet 52 of the first blank 50; the peripheral sheet 53 of the first blank 50 emerges from a perimeter edge of at least one lateral sheet 52 of the first blank 50 itself on the side opposite the central sheet 51 of the first blank. In the enclosed figures, a first blank 50 comprising two opposite peripheral sheets 53 is illustrated in a non-limiting manner. The possibility of providing for one or more peripheral sheets integrally joined and emerging from each lateral sheet 52 cannot be excluded.

The first coupling portion 12 is made via folding of the peripheral sheet 53 of the first blank 50 above the lateral sheet 52 of the same first blank 50 with which said peripheral sheet 53 is integrally joined. Following the folding of the peripheral sheet, at least one part of this is constrained, e.g. by means of gluing, to a part of the lateral sheet with which it is directly integrally joined (directly with the lateral wall 104). The folding of the at least one peripheral sheet 53 can be executed before, simultaneously or after the folding and the constraining of the lateral sheets 52. In one embodiment, the peripheral sheets are folded before the folding of the lateral sheets; only following the folding of the peripheral sheets, the process provides for the folding and constraining of the lateral sheets in a manner such that simultaneously with the definition of the lateral walls 104, the definition of the first coupling portion 12 is obtained. In particular (FIGS. 1 and 13), the step of defining the first coupling portion 12 comprises the execution of a through notch 58 on the peripheral sheet 53 in order to define, directly on said peripheral sheet, the tab 12 a (optionally defining the gripping edge 12 b) of the first coupling portion 12 and following the step of folding said notched peripheral sheet on the lateral sheet 52; in this manner, the lateral sheet 52 defines a lateral wall 104 of the case while the peripheral sheet at least partly defines the coupling portion 12 substantially placed inside the internal volume 103.

The central sheet 51, the lateral sheets 52 and the peripheral sheets 53 of the first blank 50 can be integrally joined to define a single blank made of a single piece, for example at least partly in paper material. The case 102 is then obtainable by means of steps of folding and gluing a single sheet blank (first flat blank 50). The first blank can be obtained by means of one or more steps of die cutting a single precursor sheet.

As described above, the case 102 can also have the release portion 17 which is obtainable by means of arranging a notch 59 of at least one lateral sheet 52 of the first blank 50: the notch 59 is of the type passing through the lateral wall 52 and is executed on at least one lateral wall 52 directly integrally joined with the a peripheral sheet 53. The notch 59 can have open profile 1 (FIG. 1) or closed profile (FIG. 13); alternatively the notch 59 can be an open section adapted to define the thrust portion as described above.

The process provides for the arranging of the container 1 attainable by means of a second flat blank 70 made of sheet material, optionally paper. The first blank 70 comprises:

-   -   a central sheet 71,     -   a predetermined number of lateral sheets 72 integrally joined         with the central sheet 71 and emerging from the latter starting         from a perimeter edge.

The central sheet 71 has a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. From each side of the central sheet 71, a lateral sheet 72 is extended, also having a polygonal shape, optionally rectangular or square. The arranging container 1 comprises the sub-step of folding the predetermined number of lateral sheets 72 in order to define the predetermined number of lateral walls 4 of the container 1. In detail, the lateral sheets 72 are folded with respect to the central sheet 71 in a manner such that from the flat blank 70 it is possible to obtain a container 1 having three-dimensional conformation. The lateral sheets 72 are constrained with each other in a manner such that the container 1 can maintain its three-dimensional form; the lateral sheets 72 can be constrained directly to each other by means of glue or any one adhesive material. Alternatively, the blank 70 can be provided with at least one connection sheet 75 which integrally joins two adjacent lateral sheets 72 (FIG. 1); in such configuration, the process—simultaneously with the folding of the lateral sheets 72—provides for the superimposition and joining, e.g. by means of gluing, of the connection sheet 75 to folded adjacent lateral sheets 72: in this manner, the container 1 can maintain its three-dimensional form with the lateral sheets 72 which define the lateral walls 4 and the central sheet 71 to define the bottom wall 9.

The process also provides for the definition of the at least one second coupling portion 13. Each second coupling portion 13 can be executed by means of the arranging of a peripheral sheet 73 integrally joined with at least one of said lateral sheets 72 and emerging from a perimeter edge of at least one lateral sheet 72 of the second blank 70 itself on the side opposite the central sheet 71 of the second blank. Then, the peripheral sheet 73 is folded above the lateral sheet 72 of the same second blank 70 with which said peripheral sheet 73 is integrally joined; following the folding, the peripheral sheet 73 is at least partly superimposed and facing the lateral sheet 72 with which it is directly integrally joined. Following the folding of the peripheral sheet 73, at least one part of this is constrained, e.g. by means of gluing, to a part of the lateral sheet 72 with which it is directly integrally joined (directly to the lateral wall 4). The folding of the at least one peripheral sheet 73 can be executed before, simultaneously or after the folding and constraining of the lateral sheets 72. In one embodiment, the peripheral sheets 73 are folded before the folding of the lateral sheets 72; only following the folding of the peripheral sheets 73, the process provides for the folding and constraining of the lateral sheets 72 in a manner such that simultaneously with the definition of the lateral walls 4, one obtains the definition of the second coupling portion 13.

Alternatively, the second coupling portion 13 can be obtained by means of a step of cutting one of said lateral sheets 72 of the second blank 70 in order to define, directly on said lateral sheet, at least one through notch 76 (FIGS. 2 and 14) adapted to define the panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13 in accordance with that illustrated for example in FIG. 14.

The central sheet 71, the lateral sheets 72 and the possible peripheral sheet 73 (if present) of the second blank 70 can be integrally joined to define a single blank made of a single piece, e.g. at least partly of paper material. The container 1 is then obtainable by means of steps of folding and gluing a single sheet blank (first flat blank 70).

The process also provides for a step of providing the selector 90 which comprises a step of cutting a base semifinished sheet made of sheet material, optionally flat: the cutting step defining the shape of the selector together with the shape of the pocket 92. The selector 90, following its formation, is inserted in interposition between a lateral sheet 52 and a peripheral sheet 53 of the first blank that are folded together: in such condition, the selector is situated between an external lateral wall of the case defined by the folded lateral sheet 52 and the internal panel 10 b of the same case defined by the folded peripheral sheet 53. Following the folding of the lateral sheet 52 and of the peripheral sheet 53, integrally joined with said lateral sheet, said sheets are constrained with each other by gluing, said glued sheets defining the seat 49 within which the selector 90 is engaged.

The semifinished product from which the selector is obtained can be distinct and completely separate from the first and second blank. Alternatively, the first blank 50 can comprise a first and a second auxiliary sheet 79 a, 79 b integrally joined with each other and emerging from a lateral sheet 52 on the side opposite the central sheet 51: the first auxiliary sheet 79 a is interposed between the second auxiliary sheet 79 b and the lateral sheet 52 of the first blank (FIG. 13). The selector 90 can be obtained by means of a step of notching the second auxiliary sheet 79 b; following the notching of the second auxiliary sheet 79 b, said second sheet 79 b is folded on the first auxiliary sheet 79 a in a manner such that the first and the second auxiliary sheet are superimposed on each other. At this point, the process provides a further step of folding said auxiliary sheets superimposed on the lateral sheet 52 (directly integrally joined with said first auxiliary sheet) in a manner such that said lateral sheet 52 can define an external lateral wall 104 of the case 102 while the first auxiliary sheet 79 a defines the internal panel 10 b of the same case: the second auxiliary sheet on which the selector 90 was obtained will be interposed between the lateral wall of the case 104 and the internal panel 10 b. In the enclosed figures, the flat sheet adapted to define the selector is represented with the reference number 78. In FIG. 1, the sheet 78 is distinct and separated from the blanks 50 and 70 while in FIG. 13 the sheet 78 is obtained by notching of the second auxiliary sheet 79 b.

The second blank 70 can be obtained by means of one or more steps of die cutting a single precursor sheet. The first and second blank 50, 70—even if obtainable by means of a step of die cutting a single sheet—are distinct and separate pieces, separately workable in order to obtain a case 102 separated from the container 1.

Closing Method

Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for closing a package 100 in accordance with one or more of the enclosed claims and/or in accordance with the above-reported description.

The method comprises a step of positioning the case 102 outside the container 1 in a manner such that the latter can be at least partly housed in the internal volume of the case 102. Before the step of positioning the case 102 outside the container 1—said case and container can be completely separate and distinct from each other.

Then, case 102 and container 1 are relatively moved with respect to each other in a manner such to define the closed condition. The relative movement of case and container in the closed condition allows carrying the first coupling portion 12 at the second coupling portion 13 where the two portions can be engaged with each other. The relative movement provides for the relative translation of the case 102 outside the container 1 with the lateral walls 104 of the case 102 strictly facing the lateral walls 4 of the container 1. The relative movement provides for the relative translation of the case 102 with respect to the container 1 up to an end stop position in which the top wall 109 of the case 102 is abutted against the free edge 6 of the container 1 (FIG. 6); in the end stop position, the free edge 106 of the case 102 is arranged at the bottom wall 9 of the container 1. In the end stop position the free edge 6 of the container is abutted against the top wall 109 of the case 102 and prevents a further relative approaching between the bottom wall 9 of the container 1 and the top wall of the case 102. In the end stop position, the first coupling portion 12 is situated facing the second coupling portion 13 of the container 1 and ready to receive the latter in engagement.

For the first coupling portion 12 placed at the selector 90, the engagement with the second coupling portion is only allowed if the selector is arranged in the first operative position. In order to allow such engagement, the selector 90 can be moved, before or after, the closed condition of the package 100 into the first operative position in a manner such that the panel 13 a of the second coupling portion 13 can reach and stably engage the tab 12 a of the first coupling portion 12 placed at said selector 90. In fact, once such portions (12, 13) are situated at each other (e.g. in the end stop position with the selector placed in the first operative position), one obtains the engagement of the first and of the second coupling portion 12, 13 of the safety device 11 to define the locking condition.

With relative movement of the case with respect to the container, it is intended the movement of both the parts, i.e.

case and container, or the movement of only one of said parts (only the case 102 or only the container), maintaining stopped the other of the two parts (maintaining fixed the case 102 or the container) in a manner such that a relative motion is defined between these (case and container).

If a first coupling portion 12 is present at the release portion 17 (lateral wall 104 of the case lacking selector 90), such first portion 12 is configured for being engaged with the respective second coupling portion 13 of the container following the simple passage of the package from the open condition to the closed condition.

Opening Method

Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for opening a package 100 in accordance with one or more of the enclosed claims and/or in accordance with the above-reported description. Before the execution of the method for opening the package 100, the latter is situated in the locking condition of the safety device.

The opening method comprises the movement of the selector from the first to the second operative position so as to allow the disengagement between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13. The step of movement of the selector occurs from outside the package 100 through the through opening 48. Due to the movement of the selector 90 the latter is capable of pushing the second coupling portion 13 away from the first coupling portion 12 and in particular close to the compartment 3.

Following the step of disengaging the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 the process provides for the relative moving away movement of the container 1 and of the case 102 up to reaching the open condition.

If the package also comprises a release portion 17, the opening method comprises the following steps:

-   -   contacting, in the locking condition and from outside the         package 100, at least one between the first and the second         coupling portion 12, 13 through the release portion 17,     -   disengaging the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13,     -   following the step of disengaging the first and the second         coupling portion 12, 13, relatively moving away the container 1         and the case 102 up to reaching the open condition of the         package.

The step of contacting at least one between the first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 can comprise at least one from among the following sub-steps:

-   -   inserting at least one opening device through the through access         18 of the release portion 17,     -   manually contacting at least one between the first and the         second coupling portion 12, 13, e.g. by means of insertion of a         finger of a user through the through access 18 of the release         portion 17,     -   deforming a thrust portion of the same case 102 in a manner such         that such thrust portion can contact at least one between the         first and the second coupling portion 12, 13.

The disengagement step comprises the thrust of the panel 13 a of the second portion of the container 1 away from the tab 12 a of the first coupling portion, i.e. close to the compartment 3.

If the package comprises two first coupling portions defined on opposite walls of the case and two respective second coupling portions defined at opposite lateral walls of the container, as well as a selector 90, for one of said first and second coupling portions, and a release portion 17, for the other between said first and second coupling portions, the opening method provides for both the movement of the selector 90 from the first to the second operative position and also the intervention, through the release portion 17, on said first and the second coupling portion 12, 13 placed in proximity to said release portion 17.

Only following the disengagement of all the first coupling portions from the respective second coupling portions, the method can provide for a step of moving away movement of the container 1 and the case 102 up to reaching the open condition of the package. 

1.-21. (canceled)
 22. A child-proof package comprising: a container defining a compartment configured to house a product, said container having a predetermined number of lateral walls defining an opening delimited by a free edge, said opening configured to allow insertion and removal of the product from the container, a case including a predetermined number of lateral walls, the lateral walls of the case defining an access delimited by a free edge of the lateral walls of the case configured to allow passage of the container, said lateral walls of the case delimiting an internal volume configured to receive at least part of the container, wherein the case and the container are relatively movable with respect to each other between: a closed condition in which the case obstructs the opening of the container, wherein the container, in said closed condition, is at least partly arranged in the internal volume, an open condition in which the case allows the communication between the compartment and the external environment, and a safety device comprising: a first coupling portion carried by the case, a second coupling portion carried by the container and arranged outside the compartment, and a selector carried by at least one of the container and the case, said selector, at least in the closed condition of container and case, is relatively movable with respect to at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion between: a first operative position in which said selector allows, at least in said closed condition, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to be stably engaged to define a locking condition of the safety device in which said first coupling portion and said second coupling portion prevent the case and the container from passing from the closed condition to the open condition, and a second operative position in which the selector prevents, at least in said closed condition, the engagement between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion such that the case and the container can freely pass from the closed condition to the open condition.
 23. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the selector, during movement between the first operative position and the second operative position, is entirely arranged in the internal volume of the case.
 24. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the case comprises at least one external panel and one internal panel defining a seat within which the selector is housed, and wherein the external panel defines at least part of one of the lateral walls of the case.
 25. The child proof package according to claim 24, wherein the external panel and the internal panel are integrally joined at a folding edge, and face each other to define a folded portion, wherein the folding edge of the external panel and the internal panel defines at least part of said free edge of the case, and wherein the selector is entirely arranged within the seat.
 26. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the selector, in the second operative position, is at least partly interposed between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.
 27. The child proof package according to claim 24, wherein the external panel has at least one through opening configured to allow, in the closed condition of the case and the container and from outside the package, intervention on the selector to allow movement between the first operative position and the second operative position.
 28. The child proof package according to claim 27, wherein the selector comprises a handling portion facing the through opening of the case, said handling portion being configured to allow the movement of the selector between the first operative position and the second operative position, and wherein the through opening is configured to allow a user, at least during the closed condition of the container and the case, to contact from outside the package the handling portion and to move the selector between the first operative position and the second operative position.
 29. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the selector, in the second operative position, is at least partly interposed between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.
 30. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the selector, in the second operative position and in the closed condition of the package, is configured to be thrust against the second coupling portion carried by the container.
 31. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the selector, during movement between the first operative position and the second operative position and in the closed condition of the package, is configured to push the second coupling portion away from the first coupling portion and towards the compartment of the container.
 32. The child proof package according to claim 24, wherein the first coupling portion is defined on the internal panel.
 33. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the first coupling portion comprises a tab arranged at least partly in the internal volume of the case.
 34. The child proof package according to claim 33, wherein the tab of the first coupling portion defines an undercut delimited by a gripping edge placed entirely in the internal volume, spaced from the free edge of the access.
 35. The child proof package according to claim 34, wherein the gripping edge of the tab of the first coupling portion has a “V” or “C” shape whose concavity is directed on a side opposite the free edge of the case.
 36. The child proof package according to claim 22, wherein the second coupling portion comprises a panel engaged with at least one of the lateral walls of the container and emerging from said at least one of the lateral walls according to a direction exiting from the compartment, and wherein the panel of the second coupling portion defines an undercut delimited by a gripping edge placed outside the compartment, spaced from the free edge of the opening of the container itself.
 37. The child proof package according to claim 36, wherein the case comprises an external panel and one internal panel defining a seat within which the selector is housed, wherein the external panel defines at least part of a lateral wall of the case, wherein the first coupling portion is defined on the internal panel and comprises a tab arranged at least partly in the internal volume of the case, and wherein the undercut defined by the panel of the second coupling portion, in the closed condition and when the selector is arranged in the first operative position, is stably engaged with the undercut of the tab of the first coupling portion to define said locking condition.
 38. The child proof package according to claim 24, wherein the external panel, defining at least part of a lateral wall of the case, lies on a plane, and wherein the selector lying on a plane parallel to the lying plane of the external panel.
 39. The child proof package according to claim 38, wherein the selector is movable, between the first and the second operative position and vice versa, along a direction parallel to the lying plane of the external panel of the case. 